Impact of Using Smartphones to Online Learning of Third Year BTVTED Students in Bestlink College of the Philippines – Bulacan Academic Year 2021 – 2022: Basis for Academic Intervention

Vol.3, No.1C

Abstract

In this pandemic, smartphones have become the primary instrument for many teachers and students in teaching and learning. Due to the threat of COVID-19, a survey conducted by Social Weather Station (SWS) from November 21 to 25, 2020, revealed that smartphones were the top gadget choice at 79 per cent. (Bernardo, 2021). The smartphone can be used not only for entertainment but also for learning. A smartphone is a mobile phone that can also function as a computer, with a touchscreen interface, internet connection, and an operating system capable of executing downloaded applications, all while remaining tiny enough to fit in the user’s hand and enabling learners to access their training at any time and from any location, whether they are at work, on the go, or relaxing on the couch or say anywhere and anytime. In addition, smartphones are more affordable than desktops and laptops, which is important to consider nowadays.

Smartphones are surprisingly beneficial to online learning. However, a few reasons make using smartphones for online learning difficult. Smartphones are too small, making reading announcements on LMS and text on websites difficult, but it is sufficient to use during virtual class. The students most commonly encountered a lack of phone storage since some file formats and sizes are too big, especially when it's downloaded. In addition, some students cannot use cameras in online learning when teachers ask them to open their cameras.

In addition, despite its versatility in online learning, students can experience challenges in its usability to their learning process. Smartphones can have unstable internet connectivity that can break in and affect most of their learning experience. Some students can experience phone lags, making them slow in making documents and creating activities. Students can usually experience unexpected calls and messages that can interrupt them during virtual class and or important learning.

However, there is still a solution to make their learning process effective even if those issues and problems arise. They can make their learning materials, activities, and even online quizzes and exams smartphone-friendly so that students can have equal access and learn even using small gadgets like smartphones.

The use of smartphones has increased due to the pandemic. It is useful for students learning and engagement, especially since only some students can buy expensive gadgets or desktops to cope with the face-to-face shutdown. This study will show the impact of smartphones on third-year BTVTEd students' online learning in Bestlink College of the Philippines-Bulacan AY- 2021-2022. This study used the descriptive research method to gather information regarding smartphone's impact on online learning. The researchers depended on simple random sampling to get the data needed.